Information about clinical trials for cancer patients

Jan 5, 2010

When a person with mesothelioma or another type of cancer is exploring treatment options for the disease, a doctor might suggest a clinical trial. But how can a patient educate him or herself about clinical trials and determine whether participating in a clinical trial is the right treatment option?

The nonprofit Coalition of Cancer Cooperative Groups seeks to answer these questions. The coalition—comprised of members of 10 National Cancer Institute-sponsored groups, patient advocacy organizations and oncology and cancer research specialists—aims to improve patient awareness of cancer clinical trials, facilitate access and promote participation in trials.

The coalition’s comprehensive website has a special section for cancer patients with both general information about clinical trials and descriptions of current trials for specific types of cancer. By submitting a few basic pieces of information such as zip code and type of cancer, the site will provide listings of treatment and supportive care trials, as well as the distance of these trials from the patient’s home. The patient can then click on a trial’s listing for a more detailed description and contact information.

Additionally, the site offers informational sections for health care professionals and patient advocates, as well as news articles and press releases about clinical trials. There is also a list of questions a patient can ask his or her doctor about clinical trials.

To learn more, visit the Coalition of Cancer Cooperative Groups’ website at www.cancertrialshelp.org.

Latest News Stories